United Nations ECE/ENERGY/GE.

3/2024/5
Economic and Social Council Distr.: General
12 February 2024

Original: English

Economic Commission for Europe

Committee on Sustainable Energy
Expert Group on Resource Management
Fifteenth session
Geneva, 22-26 April 2024
Item 7 (b) (i) of the provisional agenda
Decision support: Development and deployment of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources:
Applications: Minerals

Bridging Document between the Committee for Mineral

Reserves International Reporting Standards Template and
the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources *

Prepared by the Ad Hoc Task Group for Revising the Committee for
Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO)
Template and the United Nations Framework Classification for
Resources (UNFC) Bridging Document

* Based on the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards

(CRIRSCO) Template November 2019 version and the United Nations Framework
Classification for Resources (UNFC) 2019.
ECE/ENERGY/GE.3/2024/5

Contents
Page
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
II. Overview of system contents ........................................................................................................ 4
A. The CRIRSCO Template ...................................................................................................... 4
B. The United Nations Framework Classification for Resources .............................................. 5
C. Competency and Qualification requirements ........................................................................ 8
III. Mapping the CRIRSCO Template to the UNFC Categories and Sub-categories .......................... 8
A. Minerals Project .................................................................................................................... 8
B. Generalised overall mapping ................................................................................................ 9
1. Geological Confidence (CRIRSCO Y-Axis) ................................................................ 9
2. Modifying Factors (CRIRSCO X-Axis) ....................................................................... 9
3. Standard Mapping ........................................................................................................ 9
4. Other aspects ................................................................................................................ 11
C. Detailed mapping of the E axis ............................................................................................. 12
D. Detailed mapping of the F axis ............................................................................................. 13
E. Detailed mapping of the G axis ............................................................................................ 15
F. Exploration Target ................................................................................................................ 16
G. Additional considerations ..................................................................................................... 16
1. Exploration Results ...................................................................................................... 16
2. Mineral Inventory......................................................................................................... 16
3. Mineral Resources – Reporting as Inclusive or Exclusive of Mineral Reserves .......... 17
4. Effective Date............................................................................................................... 17
5. Historical estimates ...................................................................................................... 17
IV. Concluding remarks ..................................................................................................................... 18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 19
References ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Figures
Figure I General Relationships between Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves,
as set out in the CRIRSCO Template (CRIRSCO, 2019) ............................................................. 5
Figure II Diagrammatic representation of the UNFC classification (from UNECE, 2019) ......................... 6

Tables
Table 1 UNFC Classes, Sub-Classes, Categories and Sub-Categories (from UNECE, 2021) ................... 7
Table 2 Standard mapping of CRIRSCO Template aligned estimates to UNFC Categories ..................... 11
Table 3 Specification of the UNFC E axis and corresponding CRIRSCO Template consideration .......... 12
Table 4 Specification of the UNFC F axis and corresponding CRIRSCO Template considerations ......... 13
Table 5 Specification of the UNFC G axis and corresponding CRIRSCO Template considerations ........ 15

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I. Introduction
1. The purpose of a Bridging Document is to explain “the relationship between the
United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and another classification
system, including instructions on how to classify estimates generated by the application of
that system using the UNFC Numerical Codes” (UNECE, 2019). The Committee for Mineral
Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) has developed the CRIRSCO
International Reporting Template (the “CRIRSCO Template”) which has been endorsed by
the Expert Group on Resource Management as a UNFC Aligned System for use in classifying
estimates for minerals projects. This document outlines the relationship between estimates
reported in compliance with reporting codes and standards based on the CRIRSCO Template
and estimates classified using UNFC and is referred to in the text as the “CRIRSCO-UNFC
Bridging Document”.
2. The previous version of this Bridging Document explained the relationship with
UNFC-2009 using the UNFC-2009 Numerical Codes. Since its publication, the most recent
version of UNFC (UNFC (2019)) has substantially updated UNFC-2009 which incorporates
Specifications for its Application (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Energy Series 42 and ECE/ENERGY/94). The revision of UNFC was required for the
application of UNFC to extend the system to renewable energy, injection projects for
geological storage and anthropogenic resources.
3. CRIRSCO, currently known as the Committee for Mineral Reserves International
Reporting Standards, was formed in 1994 and has grown from five member organisations to
an association representing fifteen national reporting organisations (NROs). 1 In 2006,
CRIRSCO published an agreed-to set of Standard Definitions in the CRIRSCO International
Reporting Template (the “CRIRSCO Template”), which was most recently revised in
November 2019. The CRIRSCO Template provides a framework for the CRIRSCO
Template aligned reporting codes and standards which include those currently used by fifteen
different national and regional organisations around the world. The CRIRSCO Template
includes standard definitions of common terms that are used in all CRIRSCO Template
aligned reporting codes and standards. Hence the Bridging Document provides a basis for
classifying estimates reported in compliance with CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting
codes and standards using the UNFC classification system. The use of specific CRIRSCO
codes or standards may be mandatory for reporting in some jurisdictions in order to comply
with legal obligations, stock market regulations, or to meet other specific legislative
requirements. The Bridging Document is not intended to supersede or replace such
mandatory reporting requirements.
4. The use of UNFC and CRIRSCO Template aligned systems to classify and report on
mineral projects, respectively, should be seen as complementary, with the application of each
system being dependent on the objectives of the project evaluation and related reporting
requirements. The CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting codes and standards focus on the
detailed requirements for Market-listed mineral companies to substantiate the conclusions of
their activities transparently regarding the reporting of volumes of mineralised material on a
mineral asset(s) owned by a minerals company, with the prime objective of supporting
exchange regulation and avoiding market abuse. UNFC provides a logical framework for the
comparison of the estimated mineral products that may be derived from an entire mineral
project in terms of aggregated estimate quantities, the maturity and feasibility, the degree of
technical environmental-socio-economic viability and the level of confidence in those
assessments. Unless constrained by regulation, the application of the Bridging Document
shall not limit the use of the full granularity of UNFC (2019).
5. A common objective of both the CRIRSCO Template and UNFC is to communicate
information on the levels of confidence associated with the estimates of the size and quality
of mineral deposits to the users of such information. The different sub-categories recognised
in the CRIRSCO Template are based on the level of geological confidence associated with

1 Details of the current CRIRSCO member organizations and links to their individual websites and
codes and standards are provided on the CRIRSCO website at: https://www.crirsco.com/

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the estimates. Likewise the value assigned to the G axis of UNFC is used to communicate
the degree of confidence in the estimate.
6. Since their initial releases, both UNFC and the CRIRSCO Template have included
updated information. Additionally, the national reporting codes and standards aligned to the
CRIRSCO Template may also be updated periodically and may not necessarily be aligned
with the most recent version of the CRIRSCO Template. Relevant information concerning
the use of UNFC in the minerals sector was published in the Supplementary Specifications
for the Application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources to
Minerals as adopted in 2021 (UNECE, 2021). Users of the Bridging Document should use
the most recent version of guidance documents for both systems and make clear in any
accompanying documents or databases, the particular versions of UNFC, the CRIRSCO
Template, and the relevant CRIRSCO Template aligned national or regional reporting code
or standard that have been used. Reference to the following documents should be made for
further information:
• The CRIRSCO Template (CRIRSCO, 2019)
• UNFC Principles and Generic Specifications
• UNFC Supplementary Specifications for Minerals (UNECE, 2021)
• UNFC guidelines as appropriate.

II. Overview of system contents

A. The CRIRSCO Template

7. The term ‘CRIRSCO Template’ as used in this document refers to the 2019 version
of the CRIRSCO International Reporting Template for the public reporting of Exploration
Targets, Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CRIRSCO, 2019).
The principles of the CRIRSCO Template can be applied to metalliferous minerals, coal,
diamonds and other gemstones, industrial minerals, cement feed materials and construction
raw materials, dimension stone, ornamental and decorative stone, other mineral raw
materials, oil shales, oil sands and other energy minerals extracted by mining. The CRIRSCO
Template applies to all mineral deposit types of solid minerals, including anthropogenic
deposits such as stockpiles, dumps, and tailings storage facilities.
8. The CRIRSCO Template establishes and maintains consistent standards for Public
Reports to inform investors, potential investors, their advisors, and other stakeholders about
exploration progress, and estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves for current
mineral projects with economic potential and operating mines. It does not allow for disclosure
of estimates of quantities of non-economic mineralisation. Consequently, a full application
of a UNFC classification for solid minerals can extend beyond the classes explicitly defined
in the CRIRSCO Template and may include estimates which are considered too speculative
for investing purposes and cannot be publicly disclosed in Public Reports based on the
CRIRSCO system.

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9. The relationships between some of the key terms used in the CRIRSCO Template are
shown in diagrammatic form in Figure I.
Figure I
General Relationships between Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves, as set out in the CRIRSCO Template (CRIRSCO, 2019)

10. The CRIRSCO Template includes sixteen Standard Definitions that provide
consistent terminology across the individual national or regional reporting codes and
standards. In addition to the nine terms shown in Figure I, the CRIRSCO Standard Definitions
include the terms Mineral, Public Reports, Competent Person, Exploration Target and three
types of technical study, namely: Scoping Study, Pre-Feasibility Study, and Feasibility
Study.
11. Modifying Factors are considerations which must be accounted for when converting
Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves and, as indicated in Figure I, they include mining,
processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social,
and governmental factors. Preliminary consideration of the Modifying Factors is necessary
to confirm that mineralisation included in a Mineral Resource estimate has reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE) based on the relevant Modifying
Factors.
12. It should be noted that companies that report in compliance with a CRIRSCO
Template aligned code or standard all generate additional internal estimates of sub-economic
mineralisation. Such estimates are not covered by the CRIRSCO Template.

B. The United Nations Framework Classification for Resources

13. UNFC is a resource project-based and principles-based classification system for

defining the environmental-socio-economic viability and technical feasibility of projects to
develop resources. UNFC provides a consistent framework to describe the level of
confidence in estimates of the future quantities to be produced by such projects. Sector-
specific guidance has been developed for resource sectors where well-established
methodologies and systems for project assessment and the estimation of future production
potential exist. Users should refer to the “Supplementary Specifications for the Application
of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources to Minerals” (UNECE, 2021)
for additional information.
14. In the UNFC system the products of a resource project are classified using a numerical
coding system based on three fundamental criteria, namely:
• Environmental-socio-economic viability (E) indicates the degree of favourability of
environmental-socio-economic conditions in establishing the viability of the project,

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including consideration of market prices and relevant legal, regulatory, social,

environmental and contractual conditions
• Technical feasibility (F) indicates the maturity of technology, studies and
commitments necessary to implement the project. This allows the coding of projects
ranging from early conceptual studies through to fully developed projects that are
producing, reflecting standard value chain management principles
• Degree of confidence in the estimate (G) indicates the degree of confidence in the
estimate of the quantities of products from the project.
15. Categories (e.g. E1, E2, E3) and, in some cases, Sub-categories (e.g. E1.1) are defined
for each of these three criteria. Using combinations of the Sub-categories for each Category,
a high level of detail (granularity) is provided.
16. A UNFC Class is uniquely defined by selecting from each of the three criteria a
particular combination of a Category or a Sub-category (or groups of Categories/Sub-
categories). Since the codes are always quoted in the same sequence (i.e. E; F; G), the letters
may be dropped and just the numbers retained (e.g. 111 or 334). The numerical code defining
a Class is then identical in all languages using Hindu-Arabic numerals.
17. A three-dimensional representation of the UNFC Categories and Classes is shown in
Figure II, and a summary of the main UNFC Classes, Sub-Classes, Categories and Sub-
Categories is provided in Table 1.

Figure II
Diagrammatic representation of the UNFC classification (from UNECE, 2019)

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Table 1
UNFC Classes, Sub-Classes, Categories and Sub-Categories (from UNECE, 2021)

UNFC Classes Defined by Categories and Sub-categories

Sold or used production

Produced

Production which is unused or consumed in operations

Class Sub-class Categories

E F G

Viable Projects On Production 1 1.1 1, 2, (3)b

Approved for Development 1 1.2 1, 2, (3)b

Total Products

Justified for Development 1 1.3 1, 2, (3)b

Known Sources

Potentially Viable Projects Development Pending 2a 2.1 1, 2, 3

Development on Hold 2 2.2 1, 2, 3

Non-Viable Projects Development Unclarified 3.2 2.2 1, 2, 3

Development not Viable 3.3 2.3 1, 2, 3

Remaining products not developed from identified projects 3.3 4 1, 2, 3

Prospective Projects [No Sub-classes defined] 3.2 3 4

Potential
Sources

Remaining products not developed from prospective projects 3.3 4 4

a
Development Pending Projects may satisfy the requirements for E1.
b
In minerals projects, the parallel categorisation of G3 together with E1 and F1 Categories usually is not realised due to the
lack of direct evidence. A Viable Project must have sufficient material in the G1 and G2 Categories to confirm the project’s
viability and material in the G3 Category is regarded as additional material of interest for further investigation.

18. It should be noted that in the minerals sector UNFC can be applied in two slightly
different ways, namely:
• Classification of estimates of a specified volume on an individual minerals
project. In this context, UNFC provides a framework for reporting estimates in a
standardised manner to facilitate the incorporation of such estimates into mineral
inventory databases held by companies, government bodies or other interested parties.
The sub-division of estimates for individual deposits into confidence categories is
important for the assessment of the overall level of confidence in aggregated resource
and reserve totals. This application is more closely aligned with the CRIRSCO-type
approaches and was used as the main basis for the initial versions of UNFC
• Classification of minerals projects. In this context, UNFC provides a framework for
comparing raw materials projects across the spectrum from exploration to extraction,
processing, and recycling. Significant emphasis is placed on the overall socio-
environmental acceptability of the project as well as its stage of technical
development. This type of approach is similar to the approach used in the petroleum
sector where the Petroleum Resource Management System (PRMS) was developed
for managing portfolios of projects at different stages of development (SPE, 2018).
This more project-focused approach is emphasised in the latest version of UNFC
(UNFC (2019)).
19. The reporting of multiple estimates for the same volume of ground is not allowed to
avoid double-counting of materials in mineral inventories. UNFC allows for the reporting of
aggregated estimates from different classes, provided that the classes that have been
aggregated and the methodology used are disclosed.

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C. Competency and Qualification requirements

20. When using information generated by either of the CRIRSCO and UNFC systems,
key considerations that need to be accounted for are the identity, qualification and experience
of the individual(s) who are responsible for the collection and assessment of data; the models
and assumptions used as the basis for estimates of mineral product quantities; and the
classification of such estimates. ECE has recognised that, such work should be performed by
suitably qualified and experienced personnel, as outlined in the Guidance Note on
Competency Requirements for the Estimation, Classification and Management of Resources
(UNECE, 2022) which was presented to the thirteenth session of the Expert Group on
Resource Management in April 2022 and subsequently updated in October 2022.
21. Reporting under all codes and standards which are based on the CRIRSCO Template
include a requirement that all such reports should be based on work done by, or under the
supervision of a Competent Person (CP). A CP is a minerals industry professional(s) who
has a qualification that is recognised by the relevant legislation, regulations and reporting
code or standard that apply. The CP needs to have sufficient relevant experience for the type
of deposit and the activity being undertaken. The CP also needs to be prepared to provide
their consent to the release of the Public Report based on their work and by doing so will
accept responsibility for the information which they have provided and may be held
accountable if the report proves to contain information that is found to be false or misleading.
The CP requirements vary according to the CRIRSCO Template aligned code or standard to
be used and differ from the requirements for a Qualified Expert as defined by the UNECE
(UNECE, 2022) and the terms cannot be regarded as being synonymous.
22. For the application of the CRIRSCO-UNFC Bridging Document:
• To map estimates from the CRIRSCO Template to UNFC, based on information
contained in a report prepared by a CRIRSCO Competent Person (CP), the following
considerations need to be satisfied:
• The CP has familiarised themselves with UNFC and the CRIRSCO-UNFC
Bridging Document and is satisfied that they have sufficient experience to
carry out the mapping; and
• The independence and objectivity requirements are satisfied, meaning that the
CP does not have a potential conflict of interest concerning the purposes for
which the UNFC classification is being prepared.
• To report on the procedures used to map a CRIRSCO estimate to UNFC, based on a
CRIRSCO estimate contained in a Competent Person’s Report (CPR) or equivalent
document, a separate detailed report is generally not required. Provided that the same
CP has prepared, or directed the preparation of, the mapping of the CRIRSCO
estimates to UNFC, and is prepared to take responsibility for this, then the procedure
used, and the results of, the CRIRSCO to UNFC mapping could be presented in a
separate sub-section or appendix. Alternatively these details could be provided in a
separate standalone document signed off by the CP.

III. Mapping the CRIRSCO Template to the UNFC Categories

and Sub-categories

A. Minerals Project

23. In the supplementary specifications for the application of UNFC to minerals (UNECE,
2021), a minerals project is defined as follows:
A minerals project is a defined development or operation which provides the basis for
environmental, social, economic, and technical evaluation and decision-making. A
minerals project produces mineral products from a mineral source with defined frame
conditions, which provide the basis for environmental-socio-economic evaluation and
decision-making.

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A minerals project comprises a defined activity or set of activities, which provide the
basis for estimating environmental-socio-economic viability including costs and
potential revenues associated with its implementation.
24. Although the term ‘project’ is mentioned frequently in the CRIRSCO Template the
term is not specifically defined.

B. Generalised overall mapping

1. Geological Confidence (CRIRSCO Y-Axis)

25. In the CRIRSCO Template terminology, a Mineral Resource is a concentration or
occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form,
grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological
characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific
geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling. As illustrated in Figure I, Mineral
Resources are subdivided, in order of increasing geological confidence into Inferred,
Indicated and Measured categories. These categories correspond with the G3 (low level of
confidence), G2 (moderate level of confidence) and G1 (high level of confidence) categories.
26. Although there is a correlation between the CRIRSCO Template Y-Axis and the
UNFC G Axis there is a need to consider the confidence level of the Modifying Factors. In
situations where a Modifying Factor has a confidence lower than the level of geological
confidence then the value assigned to the UNFC G Axis should be assigned a lower
confidence Category.

2. Modifying Factors (CRIRSCO X-Axis)

27. As defined in the CRIRSCO Template, Modifying Factors are considerations used
to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves. These include mining, processing,
metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, and
governmental factors. Mineral Reserves can only be estimated using the Indicated and
Measured Mineral Resource categories which are defined as those portions of a Mineral
Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics
are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in
sufficient detail to support either:
• Mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit (Indicated
Mineral Resource), or
• Detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit
(Measured Mineral Resource).
28. Given that the Modifying Factors used in the CRIRSCO Template include both
technological and socio-economic elements, when mapping CRIRSCO estimates to UNFC,
it will normally be assumed that the numeric values assigned to the E and F codes will be
identical.

3. Standard Mapping
29. The standard mapping for estimates in CRIRSCO Template aligned reports for
different study types is provided in Table 2, with the following caveats:
• Mineral Reserves are based on estimates derived from a Life of Mine Plan (as
developed for an operating mine, or as the outcome of a Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility
Study), which includes the design of extraction volumes and preparation of an annual
production schedule and should only comprise the economically mineable portions of
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. The results of the accompanying studies
should demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, the extraction of such material is
reasonably justified. Whilst Inferred Mineral Resources may be included in a Life of
Mine Plan, such material cannot be reported as Mineral Reserves, and the economic

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viability of reported Mineral Reserves must be established without the inclusion of

such material
• To avoid double counting estimates of mineralised material from the same minerals
project which are assigned to different classes, UNFC requires that such estimates
should be non-overlapping. To adhere to this requirement when mapping estimates
obtained from CRIRSCO Template aligned reports on Life of Mine Plans (for
operating mines), Feasibility Studies or Pre-Feasibility Studies which include
estimates of both Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, users must only use
estimates for Mineral Resources reported as exclusive of Mineral Reserves when
mapping such estimates to UNFC
• In situations where both Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been reported
for a project, and where the Mineral Resources have only been reported as inclusive
of Mineral Reserves, then these Mineral Resource estimates should not be mapped to
the UNFC as it would result in double counting of product quantities for that particular
project.
30. As indicated in Table 2, the CRIRSCO Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve
confidence categories have a direct mapping to the G1 (high confidence), G2 (moderate
confidence) and G3 (low confidence) UNFC values. The E and F Categories provided in
Table 2 specify minimum confidence Categories for the UNFC Classes. For example, a
Potentially Viable Project must be at least E2F2 but it could also be E1F2 or E2F1.

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Table 2
Standard mapping of CRIRSCO Template aligned estimates to UNFC Categories

CRIRSCO Template
Corresponding UNFC
UNFC Class
Public Report and Study Typesa
Standard Definitions Categoryc

Feasibility Study or Life of Proved G1

Mineral
Mine Planb (for an operating E1 F1 Viable Projects
Reserves Probable G2
mine)

Mineral Proved G1
Pre-feasibility Studyd E2 F2
Reserves Probable G2

Mineral Measured G1
Feasibility Study, Life of
Resources
Mine Planb (for an operating Indicated G2
(exclusive of E2 F2
mine) or Pre-feasibility Potentially Viable Projects
Mineral
Studye Inferred G3
Reserves)

Measured G1
Scoping Study report or
Mineral
other Public Report on a Indicated E2 F2 G2
Resources
Mineral Resource estimatef
Inferred G3

Exploration Target E3 F3 G4
Public Report on
Estimates not Prospective Projects
exploration stage projects Exploration Results
published

Not applicableg Estimates obtained from historical reportsh Non-viable Projects

a The use of a Life of Mine Plan on operating mines, as indicated below, only applies in cases where no material changes to
the current operation are envisaged.
b In cases where a Life of Mine Plan includes a proportion of Inferred Mineral Resources, and such material has been
reported separately, then such material should be coded as E2F2G3.
c These are the Categories which would normally be used for a study when the mapping is based on a current (or recently
published) study. Where there have been material changes since the effective date of a report, or the study is otherwise no
longer considered current, the assumptions used in the study should be reviewed in order to determine whether the results
obtained are still valid and whether the E and F axis values need to be altered. For instance, where an operating mine has
ceased operation, where mining licences have expired or been revoked, or where there have been material changes in costs of
prices the mapping of Mineral Reserves from a feasibility study or Life of Mine Plan would be downrated from E1 to E2 and
from F1 to F2.
d Estimates included in a Life of Mine Plan which is potentially viable under current conditions.
e Estimates of material not included in the Life of Mine Plan which could be economically extracted using reasonably
assumed future conditions.
f Estimates which are considered to have ‘reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction’ under reasonably
assumed future conditions.
g CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting does not allow the Public Reporting of estimates on non-economic mineralisation.
h Historical estimates will generally be downrated to E3 and F3, with the original G Categories being retained.

4. Other aspects
31. All three of the CRIRSCO study types (Scoping, Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility)
involve an assessment of the overall viability of a project, and as such they will correspond
with a minimum of E2 and F2 (project’s environmental-socio-economic viability and/or
technical feasibility has yet to be confirmed). The results of a CRIRSCO Template defined
Scoping Study cannot be used as the basis for the estimation of Mineral Reserves, nor can
such estimates be assigned to the E1 Category or the F1 Category.

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32. The existence of an operating mine, or the completion of a positive Feasibility Study,
is required to meet the requirements for viable projects (E1 and F1 where the project’s
environmental-socio-economic viability and technical feasibility have both been confirmed).
Completion of a positive Pre-Feasibility Study allows Mineral Reserves to be reported,
merely meaning that a potential development scenario has been defined that warrants further
study at a Feasibility Study level.

C. Detailed mapping of the E axis

33. When estimating Mineral Resources judgement must be made on the Modifying
Factors to ensure that the mineralisation in the estimate has reasonable prospects for eventual
economic extraction. Portions of a mineral deposit with insufficient information, or that do
not have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction, must not be included in a
Mineral Resource. Social and environmental aspects of a project are considered to be
included in the Modifying Factors. All Modifying Factors must be considered to demonstrate
that, at the time of reporting, the extraction of the estimated material is considered justified
based on reasonably assumed conditions.
34. As illustrated in Table 3, in CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting the results of an
assessment of the prospects for economic extraction, including consideration of the
Modifying Factors, is similar to the assessment used for assigning a value on the E axis
(Environmental-Socio-Economic Viability) under UNFC.

Table 3
Specification of the UNFC E axis and corresponding CRIRSCO Template consideration

UNFC E axis: Environmental-Socio-Economic Viability (based on UNECE, 2021) CRIRSCO Template considerations

Category Definition Supporting explanation Prospects for eventual economic extraction / consideration
of the Modifying Factors

E1 Development and Development and operation
operation are confirmed are environmentally-
to be environmentally- socially-economically viable
socially economically based on current conditions
viable. and realistic assumptions of
future conditions. All
necessary conditions have
been met (including relevant
permitting and contracts) or
there are reasonable
expectations that all
necessary conditions will be
met within a reasonable
timeframe and there are no
impediments to the delivery
of the product to the user or
market. Environmental-
socio-economic viability is
not affected by short-term
adverse conditions provided
that longer-term forecasts
remain positive.
The reported estimates have confirmed prospects for
economic extraction under currently realistic
assumptions. This may be demonstrated by the
results of a Feasibility Study or the Life of Mine Plan
for an operating mine (where no material changes are
envisaged) which include consideration of the design
measures and costs associated with the social and
environmental aspects of the project. The results of
such studies should demonstrate that any necessary
social and environmental requirements for the
project could be met without affecting the overall
economic viability of the project and that the project
would yield a positive financial return on the capital
investment (in the case of a development project) or
a positive financial return on ongoing operating and
sustaining capital costs (for a project that is currently
in operation).

E2 Development and Development and operation The reported estimates have reasonable prospects for
operation are expected to are not yet confirmed to be eventual economic extraction based on a preliminary
become environmentally, environmentally-socially- judgement concerning reasonably assumed
socially, and economically viable but, Modifying Factors (including Environmental, Social
economically viable in based on realistic and Governance (ESG) aspects). This should be
the foreseeable future. assumptions of future based on the results of studies carried out at

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UNFC E axis: Environmental-Socio-Economic Viability (based on UNECE, 2021) CRIRSCO Template considerations

Category Definition Supporting explanation Prospects for eventual economic extraction / consideration
of the Modifying Factors

conditions, there are Pre-Feasibility or Scoping study levels. Such studies

reasonable prospects for
environmental-socio-
economic viability in the
foreseeable future.
should identify any social and environmental
requirements that would need to be met for the
project to proceed and provide a reasonable
expectation that these requirements could be
satisfied.

E3 Development and
operation are not
expected to become
environmentally, socially,
or economically viable in
the foreseeable future or
evaluation is at too early a
stage to determine
environmental-socio-
economic viability.
Based on realistic The reported estimates do not have reasonable
assumptions of future prospects for eventual economic extraction based on
conditions, it is currently an initial consideration of reasonably assumed
considered that there are not Modifying Factors (including ESG aspects). This
reasonable prospects for may be due to identified obstacles to project
environmental-socio- development (such as permitting restrictions,
economic viability in the technical issues, environmental issues, etc.) or the
foreseeable future; or the lack of sufficient information to complete a reliable
environmental-socio- assessment.
economic viability cannot
yet be determined due to
insufficient information.
Also included are estimates
associated with projects that
are forecast to be developed,
but which will be unused or
consumed in operations.

35. To determine the E-axis coding, users should check the commentary on these aspects
which is included in supporting documentation accompanying the CRIRSCO-based estimate.
Technical Reports prepared for Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility stage projects will include
environmental and social impact assessment studies. Once the main coding for the E axis has
been determined using Table 3 users should refer to descriptions of the E-axis Sub-categories
given in UNFC to determine the appropriate E-axis Sub-category to assign.

D. Detailed mapping of the F axis

36. As illustrated in Table 4, the CRIRSCO Study types correspond in broad terms as
equivalents to the F-axis Categories.

Table 4
Specification of the UNFC F axis and corresponding CRIRSCO Template considerations

UNFC F axis: Technical Feasibility and Maturity (based on UNECE, 2021) CRIRSCO Template considerations

Category Definition Supporting explanation Technical study type

F1 Technical Development or operation is Feasibility Study or Operating Mine (Life of Mine

feasibility of a currently taking place or, Plan with no material changes to the operation). For
development sufficiently detailed studies have CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting, it is expected
project has been been completed to demonstrate the that the results of such studies should meet the
confirmed. technical feasibility of requirements given for E1 in Table 3.
development and operation. A
commitment to develop should
have been or will be forthcoming
from all parties associated with the
project, including governments.

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UNFC F axis: Technical Feasibility and Maturity (based on UNECE, 2021) CRIRSCO Template considerations

Category Definition Supporting explanation Technical study type

F2 Technical Preliminary studies of a defined Pre-Feasibility Study or Scoping Study Report, or a

feasibility of a project provide sufficient evidence
development of the potential for development
project is subject to and that further study is warranted.
further evaluation. Further data acquisition and/or
studies may be required to confirm
the feasibility of development.
Public Report on a Mineral Resource Estimate. For
CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting, it is expected
that the results of such studies should meet the
requirements given for E2 in Table 3.

F3 Technical Very preliminary studies of a A Public Report on Exploration Results which

feasibility of a project, indicate the need for includes an estimate(s) of an Exploration Target(s).
development further data acquisition or study to
project cannot be evaluate the potential feasibility of
evaluated due to development.
limited data.

F4 No development Remaining quantities of product A Public Report on an exploration opportunity which

project has been not developed by any project. includes historical estimate(s) and/or estimates of
identified. These are quantities which, if Exploration Target(s).
produced, could be bought, sold,
or used.

37. The three CRIRSCO study types are typically completed successively during the
development of a mineral project, and are defined as follows:
• A Scoping Study (or Preliminary Economic Assessment) is an order of magnitude
technical and economic study of the potential viability of Mineral Resources that
includes appropriate assessments of realistically assumed Modifying Factors together
with any other relevant operational factors that are necessary to demonstrate at the
time of reporting that progress to a Pre‐Feasibility Study can be reasonably justified
• A Pre-Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the
technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage
where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit
configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of
mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable
assumptions on the Modifying Factors and the evaluation of any other relevant factors
which are sufficient for a Competent Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or
part of the Mineral Resource may be converted to a Mineral Reserve at the time of
reporting
• A Feasibility Study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected
development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed
assessments of applicable Modifying Factors together with any other relevant
operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate
at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified (economically
mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final
decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the
development of the project (CRIRSCO, 2019).
38. In addition, the CRIRSCO Template defines a Life of Mine Plan (LoMP) as:
• A design and financial/economic study of an existing operation in which appropriate
assessments have been made of existing geological, mining, metallurgical, economic,
marketing, legal, environmental, social, governmental, engineering, operational and
all other Modifying Factors, which are considered in sufficient detail (to Pre-
Feasibility level) to demonstrate that continued extraction is reasonably justified
(CRIRSCO, 2019)

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• A Life of Mine Plan of at least Pre-Feasibility level can be used to support the
reporting of Mineral Reserve estimates in an operating mine where there is no
significant capital expenditure required.
39. Once the main coding for the F axis has been determined using Table 4, users should
refer to descriptions of the F-axis Sub-categories provided in UNFC to determine the
appropriate F-axis Sub-category to assign.

E. Detailed mapping of the G axis

40. The vertical axis of Figure I (taken from the CRIRSCO Template) reflects the
underlying level of geological knowledge and confidence and as such corresponds directly
to the G axis (degree of confidence) of UNFC. Where geological studies have been carried
out and an estimate of the quantity of mineralization is possible (volume, tonnes, grade,
quality, etc.), then classification takes place on the vertical axis of Figure I based on the level
of detail of the studies and the degree of confidence in the geological interpretation and
resource estimate as illustrated in Table 5.
Table 5
Specification of the UNFC G axis and corresponding CRIRSCO Template considerations

UNFC G axis: Degree of Confidence (based on UNECE, 2021) CRIRSCO considerations

Category Definition Supporting explanation Resource/Reserve confidence categories

Product quantity associated

Corresponds with a Measured Resource
with a project that can be
G1 or Proved Reserve category of
estimated with a high level
confidence.
of confidence.

Product quantity associated Product quantity estimates may be categorized

discretely as G1, G2 and/or G3 (along with the Corresponds with an Indicated Resource
with a project that can be
G2 appropriate E and F Categories), based on the or Probable Reserve category of
estimated with a moderate
degree of confidence in the estimates (high, confidence.
level of confidence.
moderate, and low confidence, respectively) based
on direct evidence.
Product quantity associated
with a project that can be Corresponds with an Inferred Resource
G3
estimated with a low level of category of confidence.
confidence.

A Prospective Project is one where the existence

Product quantity associated
with a Prospective Project,
G4
estimated primarily on
indirect evidence.
of a developable product is based primarily on
indirect evidence and has not yet been confirmed.
Corresponds with the CRIRSCO
Further data acquisition and evaluation would be
Exploration Target which is a statement
required for confirmation.
or estimate of exploration potential for a
Where a single estimate is provided, it should be
mineral deposit where there has been
the expected outcome but, where possible, a full
insufficient exploration to estimate
range of uncertainty should be calculated for the
Mineral Resources.
prospective project.
Exploration Targets must be expressed
In addition, it is recommended that the chance of
as a range of quantity and quality.
success (probability) that the prospective project
will progress to a Viable Project is assessed and
documented.

Note:
For the G1, G2, G3 Categories, UNFC provides the additional guidance reproduced below.
“Alternatively, product quantity estimates may be categorized as a range of uncertainty as reflected by either (i) three specific
deterministic scenarios (low, best, and high cases) or (ii) a probabilistic analysis from which three outcomes (P90, P50 and P10) are
selected. In both methodologies (the “scenario” and “probabilistic” approaches), the estimates are then classified on the G-Axis as
G1, G1+G2 and G1+G2+G3 respectively.
In all cases, the product quantity estimates are those associated with a project.

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Additional Comments:
The G-axis Categories are intended to reflect all significant uncertainties (e.g., source uncertainty, geologic uncertainty, facility
efficiency uncertainty, etc.) impacting the estimated forecast for the project. Uncertainties include variability, intermittency and the
efficiency of the development and operation (where relevant). Typically, the various uncertainties will combine to provide a full
range of outcomes. In such cases, categorization should reflect three scenarios or outcomes that are equivalent to G1, G1+G2 and
G1+G2+G3.” (UNECE, 2019).
This type of approach is not used in the solid minerals sector where different approaches to probabilistic estimates are used.

F. Exploration Target

41. An Exploration Target is a statement or estimate of the exploration potential of a

mineral deposit in a defined geological setting where the statement or estimate, quoted as a
range of tonnes and a range of grade or quality, relates to mineralisation for which there has
been insufficient exploration to estimate Mineral Resources (CRIRSCO, 2019). An
Exploration Target is normally mapped to 334 in UNFC.
42. When converting an estimate of an Exploration Target to UNFC, it is recommended
that the following procedure is used.
43. For an Exploration Target expressed as:
• Estimated tonnage ranging from Tmin to Tmax
• Estimate grade ranging from Gmin to Gmax (expressed as a percentage, grammes per
tonne or parts per million). 2
44. The following estimates of contained product quantities can be obtained:
• Minimum estimated contained product quantity: Qmin = Tmin * Gmin
• Maximum estimated contained product quantity: Qmax = Tmax * Gmax
• Average estimated contained product quantity: Qav = 0.5 * (Qmin + Qmax).
45. The following UNFC classification would then be reported:
• UNFC Category: E3F3G4
• Estimated product quantity: Qav.

G. Additional considerations

1. Exploration Results
46. Exploration Results include data and information generated by exploration
programmes, but which are not part of a formal declaration of Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves. Exploration Results emanate from the early stages of exploration when
the quantity of data available is generally not sufficient to allow any reasonable estimates of
tonnage and grade or quality to be made. Consequently, they do not have an equivalent in
UNFC and cannot be assigned a UNFC classification code. Spatially located information
contained in such reports may be of interest to capture in government databases of mineral
occurrences or drillhole data.

2. Mineral Inventory
47. Where adequate geological studies have been carried out but a preliminary judgement
on all the Modifying Factors indicates that a project is not viable in the foreseeable future
(i.e., it does not have “reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction”), the

2 It may not be possible to handle qualities expressed using other types of measurement using this
approach.

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mineralization is classified as “inventory” and is not converted to a Mineral Resource. 3

“Inventory” is not a defined term in the CRIRSCO Template, and such quantities may not be
disclosed in a Public Report (as defined in the CRIRSCO Template), but for other purposes
would generally be classified as follows in UNFC:
• E3F2 (Sub-categories E3.3, F2.3) where the quantities are technically recoverable but
are not expected to become environmentally-socially-economically viable in the
foreseeable future
• E3F2 (Sub-categories E3.2, F2.2) where the quantities are technically recoverable but
where economic viability cannot yet be determined due to insufficient information, or
• E3F4 (Sub-category E3.3) where no technically viable development project or mining
operation can be identified.
48. Classifications of “inventory” should be reviewed periodically to determine whether
the classifications should be altered to take account of changes in environmental, social or
economic criteria and assumptions.

3. Mineral Resources – Reporting as Inclusive or Exclusive of Mineral Reserves

49. It should be noted that in UNFC, estimates in classes such as 221 are always exclusive
of other classes, such as 111, to avoid double-counting of quantities (tonnages or volumes).
Where classes are aggregated, this must be documented explicitly (e.g., 111 + 221). 4
50. The CRIRSCO Template allows for both Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves to
be reported for a project at the same time. Such reports must include a statement which clearly
indicates whether the Mineral Resources are inclusive of, or exclusive of (i.e. additional to),
the Mineral Reserves. When assigning UNFC codes to such estimates, only the estimates for
Mineral Resources reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves should be used to avoid double
counting of the estimated volumes.

4. Effective Date
51. Both UNFC and the CRIRSCO Template require the Effective Date to be stated when
any estimate of quantities is published. When applying the Bridging Document, it would
normally be expected that the Effective Date of both estimates would be the same. Should
this not be the case, then an assessment would need to be carried out to determine whether
any new information (e.g., changes in costs and prices, changes in permitting status) has
become available after the original Effective Date which could have significantly changed
the estimate as at the Effective Date. Should this have occurred then the likely effect that
such new information would have on the previously reported estimate must be included in
the report.

5. Historical estimates
52. The term historical (or historic) estimate is not used in the CRIRSCO Template,
however, where the term is used in the context of stock exchange reporting it is generally
taken to refer to estimates of Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves that were made by a
previous owner or operator of a mineral property and which have not yet been verified by the
present owner or operator as following the requirements of the CRIRSCO Template. The
term can also be used to refer to estimates in historical reports about a mineral project which
is currently not being actively explored. When applying the Bridging Document, the
unverified historical estimates will generally be downrated to E3 and F3, with the original G
categories being retained (see Table 2).

3 For more discussion regarding what constitutes “reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction” in the context of different solid mineral commodities, refer to the discussion on Mineral
Resources in the CRIRSCO Template.
4 Under the CRIRSCO rules, for Public Reporting, aggregation of Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves is not permitted. Reporting of aggregated total Mineral Resources or total Mineral Reserves
is only permitted provided that the estimates for the individual confidence categories are also reported
at the same time.

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IV. Concluding remarks

53. In certain circumstances it may be useful to refer to information based on UNFC
coding using the definitions provided in the CRIRSCO Template. For instance, this may
apply where a governmental or inter-governmental organisation wishes to report aggregated
data from mineral inventories using the widely recognised CRIRSCO terminology. It must
be considered though that reporting based on the CRIRSCO principles of transparency,
materiality, and competency enables stakeholders to assess the risks associated with minerals
projects.
54. To maintain the confidence of investors in the reported information, all CRIRSCO
Template aligned codes and standards require that when preparing the information on which
the public disclosures are based the following aspects must be considered:
• Objective: The purpose of reporting a UNFC estimate in compliance with a
CRIRSCO Template aligned code or standard should be clarified
• Relevant legislation and regulations: A specific CRIRSCO code or standard
recognised by the relevant government legislation or stock exchange regulations must
be selected (e.g., the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code), the Pan European Reserves and Resources
Reporting Committee (PERC) Reporting Standard, National Instrument (NI) 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, the South African Code for the
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
(SAMREC Code), etc.)
• Competent Person (CP) 5 requirement: A minerals industry professional(s) who has
a qualification that is recognised by the relevant legislation, regulations and reporting
code or standard is needed. Qualified Expert as defined by ECE (UNECE, 2022) may
not be sufficient
• Technical Report requirement: The release of an accompanying Competent
Person’s Report (CPR) or public reporting may be required which summarises the
information and assumptions on which the estimates are based and also discusses any
material uncertainties as clear and transparent information. The Competent Person(s)
should, as a minimum, consider the checklist provided in the CRIRSCO Template
(Table 1 in CRIRSCO, 2019)
• Types of estimates that can be reported: CRIRSCO Template aligned codes and
standards, do not allow the reporting of estimates for non-viable projects. Estimates
for prospective projects can only be reported as Exploration Targets and must be
presented as a range of quantities and qualities to indicate the associated uncertainty.
55. While these comments are suggested as a starting point, a more complete discussion
can be found in the “Guidance Note on the use of the CRIRSCO Template-UNFC Bridging
Document” (CRIRSCO and UNECE, 2024). It is important to note that for estimates relating
to individual mineral projects, a specific reporting code or standard should always be used
for reporting purposes to ensure that users properly understand the basis on which such
estimates have been prepared.

5 Referred to as Qualified Persons (QPs) in some CRIRSCO Template aligned codes and standards.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document was prepared by the Ad Hoc Task Group for Revising the Committee
for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) Template and the
United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) Bridging Document. The
Ad Hoc Task Group was established in April 2023 at the request of the Expert Group on
Resource Management of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and
the CRIRSCO Executive. The Task Group was charged with updating the previous version
of the CRIRSCO Template-UNFC Bridging Document, which was issued in 2015, to take
account of subsequent changes including the publication in 2019 of updated versions of both
systems.
The Task Group included the following members:
• Tom Bide, Hendrik Falck and Janne Hokka of the Expert Group on Resource
Management’s Minerals Working Group
• Roger Dixon and Edmund Sides, members of CRIRSCO.
Following the completion of several rounds of review and editing, an initial draft of
the updated Bridging Document was released in July 2023 for wider review by professionals
with experience working in industry and/or government who were familiar with either the
CRIRSCO Template aligned reporting codes and standards and/or UNFC.
The initial draft version of the updated Bridging Document formed the basis for the
preparation of the “Guidance Note on the use of the CRIRSCO Template-UNFC Bridging
Document” (CRIRSCO and UNECE, 2024) which is a longer more expansive document than
this Bridging Document.

References
CRIRSCO (2019) International Reporting Template for the Public Reporting of Exploration
Targets, Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Available at:
http://www.crirsco.com/templates/CRIRSCO_International_Reporting_Template_Nove
mber_2019.pdf
CRIRSCO and UNECE (2024) Guidance Note to the use of the CRIRSCO Template-UNFC
Bridging Document. Document prepared by the joint CRIRSCO-UNECE Ad Hoc Task
Group for Revising the CRIRSCO Template and UNFC Bridging Document. Draft
approved by the CRIRSCO Executive and the Expert Group on Resource Management’s
Technical Advisory Group in November 2023. Available at: https://www.crirsco.com/
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SPE (2018) Petroleum Resources Management System. Published by the Society of
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UNECE (2021) Supplementary Specifications for the Application of the United Nations
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09/ECE_ENERGY_2021_23_UNFC_MineralsSpecs.pdf
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